Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal Neuralgia, also referred to as TN or tic douloureux, is a chronic condition that causes severe, debilitating pain in the jaw, cheek, or on one or both sides of the face. Northern Westchester Hospital provides both surgical and non-surgical Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment options to patients who are seeking relief from the traumatic symptoms associated with this disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia

While the severity of the symptoms, location of the pain and the duration of each flare-up varies between patients, most TN sufferers report experiencing one or more of the following:

Sudden, severe stabbing pain that radiates throughout one side of the face, the jawline, across the lips, and/or along the scalp

A constant dull, aching and/or burning sensation in the face

Intermittent pain that is triggered by light contact with the face or teeth, during activities like shaving or applying make-up

Anxiety related to a fear of impending attacks and depression associated with social withdrawal

Trigeminal neuralgia symptoms often present without warning, and can last for a few minutes, a few hours, or an extended period of time. For some TN patients, their symptoms become progressive, with 'attacks' growing more severe over time, leading to shorter periods of remission between bouts of debilitating pain.

Because of the severity of the pain and the difficulty many patients experience in achieving a proper diagnosis and subsequent treatment, trigeminal neuralgia is often referred to as "the suicide disease".

Causes of Trigeminal Neuralgia

According to Dr. Alain C.J. DeLotbiniere, Medical Director of the Gamma Knife Center at Northern Westchester Hospital, trigeminal neuralgia symptoms are usually caused "by pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which transmits sensations from the face to the brain".
This pressure can result from an enlargement of a nearby artery, leading to a deterioration of the protective sheath over the trigeminal nerve.
TN has been linked to people who have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), who often experience the signs and symptoms of TN.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment Options

While the treatments vary with each patient, Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment options may include the use of anticonvulsant drugs to minimize the activity of the trigeminal nerve; pain medications and antidepressants.

Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Because TN symptoms can become drug-resistant over time, many patients seek minimally-invasive surgical treatments for their symptoms known as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, radiofrequency ablations, and compression of the trigeminal nerve using a tiny balloon implanted under general anesthesia.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery at Northern Westchester Hospital is performed using the most advanced Gamma Knife model available, the Gamma Knife Perfexion.

Gamma Knife Perfexion research reports:

Trigeminal neuralgia: Initial pain relief reported ranges from 78-94%. Long-term pain relief varies from 32-81% across various treatment centers. Level 2 clinical research shows Gamma Knife radiosurgery to have the lowest rate of morbidity or sensory/nerve dysfunction when compared to other treatment techniques. Research also supports that repeat treatment for patients who experience a relapse of pain (after initial treatment) can offer an equivalent rate of pain control. The treatment goal is reduction of or freedom from medications.

To learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia treatment options here at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, NY, contact the NWH Gamma Knife Center at 914.242.8113 to schedule a consultation with a TN expert.

The Radiosurgery Center at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) is proud to be the only facility between New York City and Syracuse with the expertise and technology to offer Novalis Radiosurgery and the Gamma Knife Perfexion, effective, non-invasive alternatives to traditional surgery.

Our team at the Radiosurgery Center uses the most advanced technology in the country for treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia, Acoustic Neuroma, Pituitary Adenoma, Metastatic brain tumors, Meningioma and Vascular Malformation.

Every oncology surgeon at NWH proudly caters to New York and Connecticut areas, including Mt. Kisco, Poughkeepsie, Scarsdale, White Plains, Yorktown, Peekskill in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess.